Each day, a keynote will be delivered by a champion in diverse and innovative approaches to facilitating inclusive school environments. There will also be various strands of learning for participants to choose from, such as Universal Design for Learning, Positive Behavior Supports, Inclusive Literacy Practices, Transition & Employment, BC’s Competency Based Inclusive Education Plans, Autism and Inclusion, and Social Emotional Learning. Participants will build their capacity to collaboratively analyze and plan for change during the institute’s planning time, and later at their respective school sites.

It is clear, when we create inclusive schools, develop lessons and plans that will include all kids right from the start, and look deliberately at how we can transform school culture to have a place for everyone, inclusive environments will be created, and a sense of belonging can and will be experienced by all kids. This belonging transcends not only the school environment but ultimately positively impacts people’s lives in all areas including employment, relationships, post secondary education, self esteem, and participation.

All participants will be given a package of information that can be shared with all people in their schools. They will be given the chance to ask difficult and challenging questions, and be given direct, tangible strategies to help overcome some of the obstacles that are perceived to be in the way of forming inclusive learning environments for all kids. There will be opportunities to network with other schools from all over B.C. and share knowledge and approaches. The ultimate goal is for each and every participant is to leave the Institute with the knowledge, skills, desire and confidence to make their school welcoming and accessible to all.